Environment at a Glance Dashboard

Climate change poses significant threats to people, livelihoods, and ecosystems, exacerbating climate‑related hazards and disasters. Assessing climate impacts and risks is crucial for identifying adaptation needs. This section draws on indicators based on earth observation data, that focus on seven key hazards: extreme temperature, extreme precipitation, drought, wildfire, wind threats and river flooding and coastal flooding. It also examines four exposure domains: built-up areas, croplands, forests and population density.

Rising temperatures are increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves. Extreme temperatures on both sides of the spectrum can directly damage human health and, in worst cases, lead to death. A heatwave is one of the deadliest climate-related hazards, worsening heart and lung conditions, particularly older people, infants and outdoor workers. Higher temperatures also strain water supplies, negatively impacting agricultural productivity, damaging roads and railways, increasing energy demand for cooling. Ecosystems also face mounting pressure as heat intensifies wildfires and threatens biodiversity, particularly for those species struggling to adapt to conditions outside their historical range. Looking ahead, extreme heat events are projected to become even more frequent and severe as the climate continues to warm, adding new risks

One of the main impacts of climate change is the disruption of the water cycle. Precipitation patterns are shifting and becoming less predictable. Heavy rainfall events can overwhelm drainage systems, wash away fertile soil and trigger landslides, while reduced rainfall threatens drinking water supplies, agricultural production and other water uses. Changes in the timing and amount of precipitation also disrupt hydropower generation and natural ecosystems that depend on regular seasonal cycles. Looking ahead, extreme precipitation events are projected to become more intense and frequent. However, projections of future precipitation carry significant uncertainties, as rainfall patterns vary greatly between regions and are more difficult to model than temperature. These uncertainties should be taken into account when interpreting projected data.

The disruption of the water cycle also implies droughts becoming more frequent, more severe and longer-lasting in many parts of the world. Short-term droughts impact croplands by reducing water availability, affecting agricultural productivity, water resources, livestock losses and potentially leading to rising food prices. Meanwhile, prolonged drought periods also lower river flows and reservoir levels, threatening hydropower production and river transport, and dry out soils and vegetation, and further increasing the risk of wildfires. Looking ahead, droughts are projected to occur more frequently and with greater intensity in certain regions. However, projections of future drought carry significant uncertainties, as they rely on precipitation data, which is much harder to model than temperature.

Wildfires have severe impacts on forestry, agriculture, tourism, transport, infrastructure, water supply, biodiversity, wildlife and human health. Warmer and drier conditions are extending fire seasons and increasing the risk of large, fast-moving wildfires. Fires threaten lives, destroy homes and infrastructure, and force evacuations. Smoke from wildfires travels hundreds of kilometres and worsens air quality, increasing respiratory and heart problems well beyond the burning area, while burned areas also lose their ability to absorb rainfall, potentially raising the risk of flooding and landslides.

Storms bring destructive winds that damage buildings, topple trees and power lines, and can disrupt transport, energy supply and communication networks. Windstorms are especially costly when they hit urban areas, where flying debris, falling trees and power outages affect millions of people and damage built-up areas. Cyclones pose similar risks, and are particularly damaging when they strike coastal areas. Wind damage from storms, tropical depressions or cyclones is often most severe when combined with other hazards, such as heavy rain or coastal storm surges, which frequently accompany cyclones and amplify their toll on coastal communities.

Floods are among the most damaging and costly natural hazards, and climate change is making them more likely. More intense rainfall increases river flooding in towns and cities, while higher sea levels and stronger storms worsen coastal flooding. Floods destroy infrastructure, displace families, contaminate drinking water and spread waterborne diseases. Recurring floods also carry long-term economic costs, from lower property values to higher insurance premiums and reduced business activity.